ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 6pm - February 7, 2026

Episode Date: February 8, 2026

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Right now, live coverage from your local news leader, investigating new information tonight, and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11 eyewitness news. Just go ahead and get a sound of that, that wind right now at the top of our half hour, the wind prompting a first alert day here on eyewitness news. You can just hear how gusty things were outside today, those strong winds blowing through parts of our viewing area. And for that reason, most of Central North Carolina is under a wind advisory until 7 o'clock tonight. You are watching eyewitness News at 6. I'm Dwan Hogarth.

Thank you so much for choosing us this Saturday evening. So right now it is a first-lar day. Now, strong winds are rolling through our viewing area today. And not only is it windy outside, it's also a rather cold. So for that, let's go ahead and bring in meteorologist Cruz Medina into our conversation. Now, Cruz, the temperatures, at least as far as I can tell, expected to even drop even more tomorrow, correct? That is exactly right. So by the time that you wake up tomorrow, we could have feels like temperatures near 10 degrees, especially for the county shaded here in blue. Now, I can tell you, even if you're not included in this cold weather advisory that we have for tonight into tomorrow, you are going to feel that cold waking up. And the winds will die down a little bit, but cold is cold. And tonight, even aside from the wind, so if we put those feels like temperatures aside, it'll still feel like the teens and low 20s across the region tonight. So that's significantly below average. And obviously, we've dealt with plenty of cold nights here recently. but once again, cold is cold.

Back to today, it felt cold. The feels like tipters were in the 20s all day. It was for these strong winds that we had. So RDU gusts it up to 41. Check out Burlington 50 miles per hour for that wind gusts today. And down in the sandhills, some areas seeing 40 to 43 miles per hour in areas like Sanford. So tonight, thankfully those wind gusts are coming down. We should see the gust staying under 20 miles per hour generally for the rest of the evening.

But into tomorrow morning, you could see the winds will still be around 10 miles per hour. And that's what's going to lead to those cold feels like tipters as we start out tomorrow. Now, if you're just joining us, you're stepping out for this evening. Bundle up. These are the actual air tipgers, 30s, but it'll feel like the 20s as we go throughout the rest of this evening. And then for Sunday, even though it's going to be less windy, still going to be cold. So we start out with those dangerous feels like temperatures in the morning. And then for the afternoon, we should see highs only reaching the mid 30s.

So just getting above the freezing mark for tomorrow. And then as we go into the upcoming week, we've got a nice warm up on the way. We'll talk more about that coming up in your extended forecast. Back to you. All right, Chris, and as our stretch of cold weather continues, now it'll be a good time to download our ABC 11 mobile app. It's a great way for you to stay up to date on the current weather conditions. Well, tonight, a man is facing charges in connection to an armed bank robbery in Wake County. It happened yesterday at the Bank of America on Benson Road and Garner. Chopper 11 here, you see flying over the scene.

A town official says the suspect implied he had a firearm during the incident. The suspect, Raymond Dean III, left the scene before authorities got there. He since been arrested and charged in connection. In Cumberland County, a man is dead after a shooting at a Fayetteville apartment complex. Police say it happened just after midnight in the 2,900 block of Dwelley Drive. That's where they say they found 44-year-old Damar Johnson, who had been shot multiple times. He was taken to the hospital where he later died. A 32-year-old Elijah Lloyd-the-fourth has been arrested and charged in connection with that shooting.

He's being held at the Cumberland County detention center without bond. And in Harnett County, a person is recovering tonight after they had to be rescued from a pond. Officials say around 1030 this morning, they were called to MacArthur Road, Broadway, about a car at a pond. First responders were able to rescue the driver of that vehicle. That person was taken to a nearby hospital. We're still working to learn how that car ended up there in the water and the condition of the driver. So right now, let's go and talk about tonight's college basketball game. That is always a highlight of each and every basketball season.

Fourth ranked Duke and 16th ranked Carolina, meaning head to head on the hardwood in that game. Moments away from tip off right now. It's the first Tobacco Road showdown of this season. And we do have team coverage for you tonight for one of college sports-more storied rivalries. John Dowding on Chapel Hill on Franklin Street with some excited fans. But we'll go ahead and tip off there at the Dean Dunn with a very cold Kate and Trayvon Miles standing by. I mean, look, this rivalry, this matchup, I mean, it just never gets. gets old. Yeah, Duane, it's cold outside, but the good news for us is we're going inside soon

and it is warm and this rivalry is ready to explode with the Dean Dome right behind us. You can hear it roaring right now. Everybody always shows up for this game. Duan tonight is meeting number 266 between Duke and North Carolina. The 88th meeting all time that they've been ranked. So this is a big time match of as always. Now last year, these teams met three different times and Duke won every single game. The cast of characters is always changing thanks to one and done's and transfers and the current state of the game. But one guy that is so stoked and says this game never gets old is a homegrown North Carolinian and Caleb Foster. Take a listen. Me as it's what dreams are made of. That's all I can really say is what dreams are made of.

I can't wait. It's going to be an exciting environment. Obviously coming from Charlotte, me and Slim, growing up in Charlotte in North Carolina, you know, it's a big, it's a big event. So I'm excited. This rivalry is also one of those games, Trey, where legends kind of come to life for either school. A matchup that we've got close-cloth eyes on is Caleb Wilson versus Cam Boozer. Boozer, of course, the son of legend. Carlos Boozer, he is one of the best players in the nation. Fourth of the nation, averaging 23 points in the game.

He's physical. He's efficient. He's a monster in the paint. But North Carolina relies heavily on Caleb Wilson, who also averages 20 points a game. This matchup, we're going to find out what these two freshmen are made of. They're going to go on to the NBA. Your legacy kind of comes down to this game. But Caleb Wilson's not too worried about that.

He just wants to beat Duke. They definitely have a big impact on my legacy. And I feel like that's something that's really important for me, like you mentioned. And me personally, I'm built for a moment. I don't really weather, no matter what the atmosphere is. Nobody cares unless you win. So I just really focused on winning the game. We can literally hear a jump around playing behind us right now.

DeWan, I just can't tell you how excited we are for this matchup. This matchup always delivers no matter what Duke and Carolina for the 266 time in a minute. Duke is favored this game by over five points, but rankings, records. None of it matters. These two guys get on the floor. We'll see later tonight what blue is on the winning side. Back to you. All right, y'all go ahead and get inside.

40 minutes of college basketball. We're going to see who ends up on top at the end of regulation. Thanks so much, you too. Meanwhile, the Tobacco Road rivalry heating up there on. Franklin Street, a C of Carolina Blue clashing with Duke Blue. Now, John, you're there on Franklin Street. I already know that there's a lot of excitement, a lot of energy for tonight's game. As always.

Oh, absolutely, Devon. And you heard it there from Trey and Kate as well, from close to the Smith Center to right here on Franklin Street. We have been seeing excitement all day long here on Franklin Street. Hearing cheers for the Tar Heels or the Blue Devils, a lot of excitement and energy as we head into this game. Go, Duke, baby. Let's go! As we said, Franklin Street filled with energy and excitement tonight. This is the 266 matchup of these two teams.

We've seen dozens of people grabbing a quick bite or heading right over to the Smith Center earlier this afternoon and going into the evening. Regardless though, of who you're rooting for, everyone we spoke to says they're holding their breath to see who comes out on top tonight. I'm excited. I think every year is, I mean, it's a toss-up every year. It's a fun rivalry to have. So let's see what happens. Honestly, it is one of the best rivalries in basketball. shoot NBA or college.

It's awesome to see every single year. You never know who's going to win. Even if somebody is favored by a lot, you never know. And obviously a lot of the UNC students we spoke to saying they're hoping they get the chance to storm Franklin Street tonight if they come out with a win this evening. We spoke with town officials earlier today. They tell me multiple departments from fire to police,

EMS, emergency management, a lot of town officials on standby right now and ready to close down streets to keep everyone safe. UNC walks out with a win tonight and people storm Franklin Street. We'll obviously have a look of the conditions later on in the evening after the game. Live here from Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, I'm John Dowding. ABC 11, eyewitness news. John, the 15-501 battle already underway.

We'll go ahead and see you a little bit later on tonight. Well, still ahead, the new developments in the search for Nancy Guthrie at Tucson TV station, receiving a new message nearly seven days after she was abducted from her home. And tonight, investigators are back there on the scene. And runners taking over NC State's Bell-Town. today for the annual Krispy Cream Challenge. Later in our broadcast, we'll take you to the big event. That's become a right of passage there for the university. This winter, we are cheering for our home nations, but your story might stretch far beyond

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continues tonight, officials say a local TV station received another message, and now they're working to determine its authenticity. Tonight, here's ABC's Alex Stone with the latest. The search for Savannah Guthrie's elderly mother, Nancy, now stretching into its seventh day. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department now using digital billboards in several cities,

including Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Houston to raise awareness about Guthrie's disappearance, A $50,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. The FBI going door to door in the missing 84-year-old's neighborhood after a Tucson television station received a new message. The station said it contained something the senders seemed to think will prove to investigators they're the same people who sent the first note. The one that mentioned Nancy Guthrie's Apple Watch and possible damage at her home demanded Bitcoin and included two deadlines.

The first deadline has come and gone. The second is in only two days. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department said investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity. Investigators seem towing a car from the residence overnight following another thorough search of Nancy Guthrie's home. If the ransom note talks about specific things in the house, like things broken, things moved, cameras removed or smashed, whatever it might be, if that's the case, they're going to go back. and double check they've got to see if it matches what the bad guys are telling them. President Trump suggesting he expects something definitive from the investigation soon. I think we're doing very well, very well meeting. We have some clues, I think, that are very strong,

and I think we could have some answers coming up fairly soon. But so far, investigators say they have no suspects or persons of interest in Guthrie's disappearance. Alex Stone, ABC News, Los Angeles. Well, up next, celebrating fine dining and wine while raising money for children with disabilities. After the break, we'll take you inside the annual Triangle Wine and Food Experience. Everyone needs help with something. If investing is your something, we get it. Cooperators' financial representatives are here to help with genuine advice that puts your needs first.

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And now any classic donut is a dollar when you buy any size original or dark roast coffee. Get a deal on the iconic duo with a Tins dollar donut plus tax at participating restaurants for limited time. Terms apply. See app for details. I welcome back right now at six hundreds of people braving the coal today for the annual crispy cream challenge run. Now the event has become a tradition at NC State with people running five miles in an hour, all for a good cause and a dozen donuts. ABC Levin's Tom George giving us the sights and the sounds of what's becoming a right of passage. 2400 calories, a dozen donuts, five miles and priceless memories. For the plot, 100%.

Some a little more skeptical. pulled out of bed, like literally 30 minutes ago. Others just hoping for the best. A lot of cold people and good vibes, hopefully. For the kids, Zoe. I'm happy. The kids got my money, but I'm not happy about that. And as they got ready to run the two and a half miles from the Memorial Bell Tower to the Krispy Kreme at Peace and Person Streets,

casual to the right, challenger to the left. It's the second part of the race that's a challenge, downing a whole dozen donuts gets tough. The crispy prints are far too delicious to be treated like them. Well, it's not fun on the way back, that's for sure. It's a donuts in the stomach that don't want to stay down there. One veteran's strategy? Drink water while you're eating the donuts, that's for sure. Others just coming along for moral support and maybe a little gastronomic rescue.

We're just going to be keeping our eye on him just in case I need to run out there and resuscitate or bump the stomach or anything. You know, we're here for support. But one by one. dodging cold weather and a queasy stomach to enjoy a sweet win at the finish line. Um, yeah. And in the end, worth it not just for the plot, but to support the UNC Children's Hospital. If you get the shirt at the end, then they can think it's all worth it. In Raleigh, Tom George, ABC 11, eyewitness news.

All right, Tom, thank you also in Raleigh. The Frankie Libin School for Children with Developmental Disabilities has held its annual Triangle Wine and Food Experience. The fundraiser featuring local restaurants. and winemakers from across the country, all sharing their food and wine. And besides the lavish dinners and the curated tastings, they also held a live auction. Our Steve Daniels was there as MC for the event, and money raised will go toward benefiting the school. All right, let's go ahead and bring back in Cruz Medina with the check on our forecast and Cruz all day. Before I even came in, I heard just how heavy that wind was like whipping in the backyard, like blowing all the trash cans like across my yard, like almost into the street.

It was pretty annoying after a while. It was. I had my power flicker like six times. Just kind of a nuisance, right? And so it's dying down, but doesn't completely go away. We will see at least somewhat of an improvement as we go into Sunday. So not as gusty, but still very cold with feels like tipters. As cold as 10 degrees tonight. So that's what you're waking up to tomorrow.

And then we have at least this to look forward to by the middle of the week. Tuesday and Wednesday, highs will be in the 60s. And then toward the back half of the week turning cold again. Could even see another winter mix here locally. So we'll talk more about that in your seven-day forecast, but this is what it looks like outside. And although it's a nice-looking evening, you've got a clear sky, it is definitely a cold one. So if you are stepping out for this evening, that feels like tipters, these are what you want to dress for. Tipters in the 20s and eventually the teens, if you're staying out overnight, 18 by 10 p.m.

And tomorrow morning, once again, could be as cold as 10 degrees. So first alert predictor shows that tonight those winds will start to die down. The skies stay pretty clear through tonight. and so you wake up with actual air tipters and the teens so around 20 degrees. And then for the afternoon, we will see tipter's push to the 30s. There could also be a few flurries. So predictor, I think is underdoing this a little bit. We do have some dry air toward the ground.

So in the last mile or so in the atmosphere, that could prohibit that from happening. But I think we could see a few flurries flying around by tomorrow afternoon. So nothing to worry about, nothing really accumulating, just something you might see. and something you'll feel for sure is once again the cold. So feeling as cold as 10 degrees when you wake up tomorrow, that cold weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. By the time we get into the afternoon, feels like Tipters still only in the 20s.

So that's what you want to dress for tomorrow is if it would feel like 25, 27 degrees throughout the day. Now through the middle of the week, we have high pressure that's going to slide to our south. And why that matters is because it turns our winds out of the south. So ahead of our next weathermaker, it's actually to be pretty warm here. Tipters could push into the 60s for Tuesday and Wednesday.

And if you don't like 60s and you want 70s, well, drive to our south. Maybe visit Atlanta, 72. It's going to be pretty warm down there. So we're rounding the corner. We're starting to see things change for the better if you don't like cold. But I could tell you tonight, you just got to stay bundled up. Once again, tipter's down into teens. Bring your pets inside tonight.

You might want to drip your pipes too. And then for tomorrow, we start off very cold. High temperatures in the afternoon only reach into 30s and a few spots like Rayford or Lerford. Lumberton, you might be lucky enough to hit 40 degrees tomorrow. Once again, that's going to be kind of isolated. Most of us will be in the 30s. Your first alert seven-day forecast shows that by the time we get into Monday, we're in the 40s then. We've at least got sunshine. But once again, Tuesday and Wednesday, those are the best days of the week. So Tuesday, that's the pick of the week. Duane, that's the day that we got to break out the shorts, man. And then as we go into the back

half of the week, maybe a stray shower on Thursday by Friday watching for a possible winter mix too early for specifics there, but temperature's obviously will be back in the 40s, and we'll stay there through the Day of Love next Saturday. I'm just waiting for all of these cold temperatures to get all the way out of here and that we can bring back to the one of tips. We need spring. Yeah, like that 62 is a flirt, right? That's it. Absolutely.

All right, thanks, Cruz. You got it. All right, coming up, we're counting down to Super Bowl Sunday. The big game is tomorrow. We will take you out to Santa Clara, California, Levi Stadium to be specific, where both teams are gearing up for Super Bowl 60. With the RBC Avion Visa, you can book any airline, any flight, any time. So start ticking off your travel list.

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I hope we don't go cashless. I would say land is a safe investment. Technology companies. Solar energy. Robotic pollinators might be a thing. A wrestler to face a robot? That will have to happen. So whatever you think is going to happen in the future,

you can invest in it at Wealth Simple. Start now at WealthSimple.com. All right, welcome back. Excitement is building up for Super Bowl 60. Now just one day away, the Patriots and the Seahawks will face off at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California. NBC's Jacqueline Lee has more from the stadium where both teams are preparing for tomorrow's big game. The field is sent. The New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, they are doing their last minute preps ahead of the big game tomorrow.

Now, the New England Patriots, they did complete a 90-minute practice Friday at State Hocles. Sanford Stadium, the head coach pulling the players off the field for 14 minutes to simulate halftime, even blasting Bad Bunny. The Seattle Seahawks also practiced on Friday at San Jose State University, but they're having another practice today. The Bay Area in prep mode for 75,000 people expected to attend. This is considered a Seer-1 event. Federal agencies like the FBI, the ATF, they are working in tandem with state and local partners

to keep everyone safe. Now, as for the fans, it has been a nonstop party, events, concerts. Everyone is so excited for this 13-minute bad bunny halftime performance. Jacqueline Lee, ABC News, Santa Clara, California. All right, a lot of people are referring to the halftime show as, look, there is the halftime show, and then there's a game that's happening. I've seen that comment a lot, but I could tell you, even just hearing her talk about that. I'm fired up. Yeah.

Like, I went to Puerto Rico last January. all seven days that I was there. That album, DeVille deird Armos Photos and Un Verano Sinti back in 2022, that album, on repeat the whole time. That was a vibe. So I'm ready to, you know, get it going tomorrow.

13 minutes, and if I hear somebody two-stepping here in the studio, I know that that's you. Yeah, stay out in the newsroom. Let me be in here, you know, doing my little dancey dance. All right, Cruz, all right. Super Bowl 60, tomorrow. That's going to do it for us tonight for this half hour. Now, tonight it's the NBA on ABC,

The Golden State Warriors without an active Steph Curry tonight. They're on the road against LeBron James and the L.A. Lakers. Tip off is set for 8.30. We'll see you back here after the game.